On March 15, Zionsville Fire Department (ZFD) used the Lucas® Mechanical CPR device to save a person experiencing cardiac arrest. This was the department’s first successful save with this device.
B Shift Ladder 293 and Medic 293 were called to a local workout facility for a patient in cardiac arrest. The patient collapsed while on a treadmill and a bystander instructed another person to call 911 while the bystander started CPR.
Upon arrival, the crew confirmed the patient had no pulse and was not breathing. ZFD crews assumed CPR and airway management. Defibrillator pads and an automated CPR device were placed on the patient. The patient was defibrillated and began talking only to go into ventricular fibrillation again. The patient was shocked again and moved to the ambulance for transport. The patient lost pulses again while in route to the hospital and was shocked again. The patient was shocked a total of five times and became responsive after each shock. Medication was given that keeps the heart from going in to the lethal rhythm and the patient was alert and talking once at the hospital.
St. Vincent Emergency Department assisted in the care of the patient, who is now recovering at home and doing well.
“It cannot be emphasized enough the importance of starting CPR as soon as possible,” said Chief James VanGorder. “Without the bystander beginning and continuing CPR until ZFD crews could arrive, this outcome may not have been as good.”